Lifting bulbs for winter
Autumn is the time of year that most gardeners prepare their
garden for winter. Lifting, drying and storing your flower bulbs
that are not hardy enough to withstand the winter in your area is a
task best done in mid to late autumn.
Although most bulbs can be left in the ground in mild winter
zones, many flowering bulbs, such as, gladiolus, alliums, oxalis and
canna, cannot withstand harsh winter zones. After your bulbs have
finished flowering, it is best to leave the foliage to ripen
naturally. The foliage is what provides nutrients to the bulb
for future growth. You will know that it has ripened completely when
it turns yellow or brown and the slightest pull will detach it from
the bulb in the ground.
To lift the bulbs, insert a
spading fork straight down into the ground, clear of the plant and
deep enough to carefully lift the bulb from the ground. Gently
loosen and removal the soil around the bulb, pull off any dead
leaves, roots and bulblets. Place the bulbs in a tray, preferably in
a mesh tray, uncovered, and placed the tray in a cool area, allowing
the bulbs to dry for about seven to 10 days.
After the bulbs have dried, place them
in a label tray in a single layer, making sure they do not touch each
other and placed the tray in a cool dry place in planting time. Do
not enclose the bulbs, as good air circulation will prevent mold.
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